Charichari Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City; President & CEO: Kentaro Iemoto; hereinafter "Charichari"), which operates the share cycle service "Charichari," announced the launch of its service in Kyoto City and Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, starting at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Additionally, on the same date, Charichari concluded a "Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Share Cycle Use and Popularization" with Kyoto City.

With the mission of "creating the next habit of urban mobility," Charichari is working to solve urban mobility challenges in nine areas nationwide as a public transportation provider through its share cycle service. In Kyoto City and Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Charichari took over the "kotobike" business and began operating as Charichari in December 2025.

Now, the bicycles and app have been rebranded to Charichari, and full-scale operations have commenced.

On the same date, Charichari concluded a "Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Share Cycle Use and Popularization" with Kyoto City. Based on this agreement, Charichari will collaborate to create a safe, secure, and highly convenient share cycle usage environment in Kyoto City, complementing public transportation.

Furthermore, in February, Charichari signed an agreement (※) with Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, regarding the implementation of a "Share Cycle Business for the Promotion of Eco-Mobility." Under the cooperation of the administration and in collaboration with Otsu City, Charichari will establish a new service model that combines its strength of flexible port deployment with cycle ports installed on city-owned land, serving as hubs for the community.

(※)https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000206.000048038.html

The bicycles introduced in the Kyoto and Otsu areas feature special colors that harmonize with the local landscape and cityscape. While based on Charichari's service color red, the design aims to blend into the streets of Kyoto and Otsu, striving to provide a service integrated with the local community.

Reference: Share Cycle Service "Charichari" Takes Over "kotobike," a Share Cycle Business Operated by Kyoto's Long-Established Bicycle Shop Kyube in Kyoto and Otsu, through Company Split

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000194.000048038.html

520 electric-assist bicycles will be put into operation in the Kyoto and Otsu areas. The company plans to gradually increase the number of bicycles in line with future usage and the expansion of port numbers.

Furthermore, the "kotobike" ports that were previously in use can continue to be utilized as Charichari ports.

About Charichari

"Charichari" is a share cycle service that allows users to easily unlock dedicated red bicycles with a smartphone app. Basic bicycles cost 6.5 yen per minute, and electric-assist bicycles cost 20.5 yen per minute, aiming to provide an experience where users can ride anytime, anywhere, whenever they want.

The service launched in Fukuoka in February 2018 and has grown to be used over 44 million times cumulatively.

It is currently deployed in 9 areas: Fukuoka (Fukuoka City, Nakagawa Town, Shime Town, Kasuya Town), Nagoya City, Tokyo, Kumamoto (Kumamoto City, Kikuyo Town), Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture, Saga City in Saga Prefecture, Amakusa City in Kumamoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City/Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture.

With its minute-by-minute pricing and easy-to-use app, it is primarily used for everyday short-distance travel in each area.

Charichari Original Bicycle Helmet

A highly safe helmet, easily storable in a bag or backpack for portability and certified with SG standards set by the Product Safety Association, is now available for purchase on the official online store for daily Charichari and bicycle users.

The helmet features calm colors that suit both business suits for commuting and casual wear, subtly adorned with Charichari's cute logo. It comes with a purchase bonus of Charichari ride tickets.

Sales from the helmets will be used to fund Charichari's safety awareness and education activities, contributing to the creation of safe and secure communities.

Online Store: https://charichari-online.stores.jp/

About Charichari Inc.

Representative: Kentaro Iemoto, President and CEO

Head Office: 1-1-1 Nagahama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City

Charichari Web and SNS Information

【Charichari】

https://charichari.bike

【Official Accounts】

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/charichari_bike

Instagram: https://instagram.com/charichari_bike

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charichari_official

Charichari is recruiting port owners

Would you like to utilize your unused space, such as a storefront, office eaves, or part of a parking lot, as a Charichari port? Charichari ports can be installed in small spaces with 5 or more bicycles. Let's utilize unused places as new value.

【Port Owner Recruitment Details】

https://charichari.bike/portowner

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News